Alonissos in Greece

Alonissos, east of Skiathos and Skopelos, belongs to the Sporades.
It is a relatively small island, both in terms of surface area and population,
here lives about 2,830 people. The capital is Patitiri
(1,630 inhabitants). Other villages are Votsi,
Roussoum and
Stena Vala.
The population increase during the summer months, not only because of
the tourists, many foreigners have holiday homes here. The surface area
is 64 km2 and the highest mountain - Kouvouli - measuring 475 meters
above sea level and lies on the northern part of the island.

This charming island of great natural beauty is one of Skiathos'
two little sisters (Skopelos is the
other). But all family ties come to an end. While Skiathos is exploited
over head and ears, the life on Alonissos are still going on just as usual.
To be on holiday on Alonissos is like lying in a hammock where the days
rock forward in a peaceful pace far from everyday stress.

The island is small enough to get the hang of after a few days,
but despite its smallness it still offers several surprises. It's an extremely
cosy island that is easy to fall for. If you belong to the right target
group, of course, first of all I am thinking of all those who appreciate
peace and quiet, who like to hike and who enjoy Greek food. If, however,
you're looking for kilometres of sandy beaches with sunbeds and beach-music
bars, then Alonissos suits less good. The beaches do namely not belong
to the best, but the water is amazing, actually among the clearest I've
seen in Greece.

I like Alonissos very much, and I am becoming more and more in
love every time I come here. For me, it is incomprehensible that not more
people are choosing Alonissos for their holiday.

Alonissos is a member of a mini-archipelago together with several
small islands that has status as a marine park. The
National Marine Park is the only one in Greece and was founded
in 1992 in order to protect the highly endangered Mediterranean monk seal
(Monachus monachus). There are so few monk seals left that it has
the distinction of being Europe's most endangered species. Some believe
that there are only eighty monk seals left in Europe, most of them are
in Greece, mainly around Alonissos and the surrounding islands. Some smaller
seal colonies have their territories around Kimolos
and Karpathos.

The monk seals are about 200-260 centimetres long, the upper side is
gray or brown and the under side is lighter. They are the only earless
seal that lives in warm seas. All monk seals are endangered. The Caribbean
Monk Seal is probably extinct since no reliable observations have been
made since the mid-1970s. It may be added that they are incredibly sweet,
sweeter than other seals. On the island there is a centre of monk seals
and a small hospital run by the organization MOM.

You can read more about Alonissos via the links
at the top of the page. A very short summary of the information
comes here:

It is possible to travel on a package holiday from some countries
to Alonissos. If you are travelling independently, you go by air to
Skiathos, catch a taxi to the port of Skiathos, and continue with the
first ferry to Alonissos. As easy as pie. Read
more about how to travel to Alonissos here »

Patitiri and Chora are the two main villages, in addition, there
are some smaller settlements, like Rousoum, Votsi, Kalamaki and Stena
Vala. Read more about
the villages here »

If your are looking for kilometres of sandy beaches with sunbeds
and beach-music bars, then Alonissos is the wrong island to go in for.
The beaches mostly consists of bigger pebbles or smaller pebbles, there
are only a few sandy beaches. The most popular beaches are Chrisi Milia,
Roussoum and Agios Dimitrios (see picture on top of the page). Other beaches
are Megali Amos, Kokonikastro, Marpounta, Vythisma, Glyfa, Megalos Mourtias,
Ghialia, Tsoukalia and Leftos Gialos. Read
more about the beaches here »

There are no historical sights that you must see, so you can peacefully
stay on the beach and have a lazy time with a good book under a parasol.
The main attractions are the beautiful scenery, The Marine National Park
and the church of Agia Anarghiri. Read
more about the sights here »

Almost all tourists stay in Patitiri or in the neighbouring village
of Roussoum. Personally I think it's best to stay above the port of
Patitiri. There are many hotels and pensions with breathtaking views.
Suggestions for
accommodations can be found here »